Kingstone Press Championship Preview: Sheffield Eagles v London Broncos

Sheffield coach Mark Aston was disappointed with his side’s defeat at Dewsbury saying his side shot themselves in the foot after a good opening. 

“I thought we started very strongly and were winning 10-0 with five or six minutes to half time, then we let a couple of soft tries in,” he said.

“Credit Dewsbury, they had a game plan and stuck to it and came out on top. I thought defensively we were outstanding, but in the second half we were poor. Composure was poor, discipline was poor and field position was non-existent, that’s why we lost the game.

“But that’s gone and we’ve moved on. We’re really looking forward to the challenge this week at the Keepmoat against London Broncos, one of the full-time squads who have come out of Super League. We’ve had a good week’s preparation and will go into the game very positively.”

Aston has no real injury worries but will need to check on Ben Musolino who got a head injury last week. Second row John Davies is very close to being ready while winger Rob Worrincy and hooker Blake South are both available for selection.

London Broncos assistant coach Andrew Henderson knows all about Sheffield Eagles having spent three seasons with the club before moving down to London at the end of last year.

The Broncos began their campaign with a victory over Doncaster but a poor second half almost cost them: “I thought we got off to a great start but as the game wore on we lost a bit of respect and there was a bit of indiscipline.

“We only completed at 30 per cent in the second half and if it wasn’t for our defensive attitude and effort we could have possibly lost that game.

“We’re playing at the Keepmoat Stadium, which is a pitch Sheffield enjoy playing on because their style of play is very expansive.

“I know possibly what will be coming at us, they pose a lot of threats all over the park and have a decent forward pack who chew up the yards. They’ve got some exciting backs, so we’re going to have to be very much on our game.”

He and head coach Joey Grima will be picking from a fully fit squad.